Cleveland Hosts Annual Gun Buyback Program

On Saturday morning, Cleveland held a “gun buyback program” at the city’s Third District Police Department.

According to ABC News affiliate WEWS-TV, the Cleveland Police Department received 158 guns this year. Last year, the department bought back 250.

“This community partnership will help us to prevent a tragedy in the city of Cleveland,” Chief of Police Calvin D. Williams said to WEWS-TV. “This is a strategy the City of Cleveland and the Division of Police have employed previously. As a result of the Gun Buy-Back someone’s life will be saved.”

In order to sell, Cleveland residents had to bring their unloadd handguns or semi-automatic rifles to the police department in a clear plastic bag inside a container, such as a gym bag or backpack. Sellers also had to transport the bagged weapon, locked in the trunk of the car while also packing ammunition separately.

Sellers were given a $100 gift card for a handgun, and a $200 gift card for a semi-automatic rifle, reported WEWS-TV.